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“Relatively few books have been written with assistant solicitors in mind, about how to succeed at the business of being a lawyer… fewer still have devised a programme for so doing that runs alongside a book. This book does both.”Law Society (The Law Management Section)

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Empowering the next generation of lawyers to be business generators and visionary leaders.

“Overhaus has been there.” Managing Partner Magazine

Jennifer Overhaus has achieved what she teaches. As an experienced partner and global practice head within a top 50 global law firm, and award winning practicing lawyer for over 20 years (in leading American and UK magic circle firms) Jennifer knows what it takes to succeed… and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with you.

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Networking tip 24: Do your homework

Our schedules as lawyers are normally busy enough with client work, so fitting in networking time is not always easy. Sometimes getting to an event is a last-minute, haphazard rush. Perhaps this situation sounds familiar: You are heading out the door (late!) while making final edits to an important document. On the way, you are dictating (OK, shouting) last-minute instructions to your secretary. You’re not even sure of the location of the meeting as you charge to your uncertain destination (Wembley or Waterloo? WC1 or W1?), simultaneously fumbling for the crumpled invitation in your bag.

Networking tip 23: Never burn bridges

It seems an obvious point, but almost all of us have done it: We send off an email or say something that we later wish we hadn’t. That “something” then lodges forever in the other person’s mind, and we know, no matter how hard we try, that it will never be forgotten. This is why every piece of correspondence, departing note, or good-bye gesture must be thought through and its implications considered.

Networking tip 22: Commit to the success of others

An effective network is contingent on the success of each person within the group. As other individuals in your circle become more successful, they not only extend their power and influence, but also their chances of being able to help you. . . In short, by boosting the careers of others, you probably increase the likelihood of gaining your own rewards. (Note, if you lift people up emotionally and they will in return appreciate you. Well, it’s also important to lift people up professionally—they will probably lift you up in return).

Networking tip 21: Have something to say

Successful net-workers are rarely at a loss for words, not necessarily because they are (by nature) charismatic extroverts, but because they are prepared. They never leave home without having considered how they might best approach people. You can be one of them if you:

Create (and practice) a personal self-introduction, which describes who you are and what you do in a way that is informative, interesting and memorable.